Chippa Wilson

United States

It’s surprising the surf world didn’t see him coming, because he’s not subtle. He’s got full sleeve tattoos and golden hair and a pair of eyes to match it. Golden eyes? How could he not be special? The young New South Whales goofy foot spun his way onto the scene without hype, but with the ferocity of a lion. His tricks were so technical that surf mags had to ask the skate mags what his grabs and rotations were called. No seriously, they did.

What they learned was that Chippa’s craziest air, the one that inspired the most awe, was called a Big Spin. If you haven’t seen it, shame on you. Go immediately to (http://vimeo.com/14437082). Now. Don’t finish this, go!

You saw it? Good. Told you it was impressive. He’s akin to the guys in the early ‘90s, guys like Joe Crimo, who did chop-hop variations of skate tricks. But Chippa’s doing his stunts with style, above the lip and with a whole bag of tricks and turns and tube skills to back them up. His surfing is so now.

Which is why they called his signature film, NOW. Because he wasn’t here yesterday (he was pounding nails to connect ends). And because Chippa doesn’t fret about tomorrow, ‘cause what he does today is the future of surfing.

Enjoy Chippa in slow motion, because that’s the only way you’ll be able to decipher what he’s doing.